Concept vs. Design — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
Concept refers to an abstract idea or a general notion, whereas design is the creative process of turning a concept into a detailed plan or blueprint.
Difference Between Concept and Design
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A concept is a foundational idea that represents an abstract understanding or theory, primarily serving as the initial stage in the development of a project or product. On the other hand, design involves the formulation of a specific plan that outlines how a concept will be realized practically.
Concepts are often broad and can be applicable in multiple contexts, providing a versatile foundation for further exploration and refinement. Whereas, design is typically context-specific, detailing particular elements like aesthetics, functionality, and materials.
In the process of creating something new, the concept serves as the vision or inspiration, focusing on the 'what' and 'why' aspects. Design, on the other hand, addresses the 'how' it deals with the actual implementation and problem-solving required to bring the concept to life.
Concepts require a high level of abstract thinking and are generally more theoretical. Conversely, design demands technical skills and a pragmatic approach to make concepts workable and tangible.
While a concept can exist purely as an idea without any commitment to action, a design moves the idea towards reality, necessitating decisions regarding the specifics of the project, such as dimensions, materials, and methods.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Abstract idea or theory
Concrete plan or blueprint
Focus
General notion, what and why
Specific details, how
Skill Required
Abstract thinking, ideation
Technical skills, practical application
Outcome
Broad understanding, adaptable
Detailed specification, context-specific
Dependency
Can exist independently as an idea
Depends on concepts for initiation
Compare with Definitions
Concept
A plan or intention.
The restaurant's concept revolves around farm-to-table dining.
Design
A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of a building before it is built.
The architect's design featured a large open space.
Concept
A notion considered in the mind.
His concept of responsibility differs greatly from mine.
Design
An arrangement of elements or details in a product or artwork.
The graphic design uses vibrant colors and geometric shapes.
Concept
An innovative idea for a product.
The initial concept for the device was radically different from the final product.
Design
The process of designing the form or structure of something.
She specialized in the design of eco-friendly homes.
Concept
An abstract principle that underlies a project.
Her art installation was based on the concept of transience.
Design
The art or action of conceiving of and producing a plan or drawing.
Good design integrates both aesthetics and functionality.
Concept
A general idea used to formulate a theory or policy.
The concept of sustainability guides many modern urban developments.
Design
The creation of a plan or convention for the construction of an object.
His design for the new car model was approved.
Concept
Concepts are defined as abstract ideas or general notions that occur in the mind, in speech, or in thought. They are understood to be the fundamental building blocks of thoughts and beliefs.
Design
A design is a plan or specification for the construction of an object or system or for the implementation of an activity or process, or the result of that plan or specification in the form of a prototype, product or process. The verb to design expresses the process of developing a design.
Concept
An abstract idea
Structuralism is a difficult concept
The concept of justice
Design
A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of a building, garment, or other object before it is made
He has just unveiled his design for the new museum
Concept
A general idea or understanding of something
The concept of inertia.
The concept of free will.
Design
A decorative pattern
Pottery with a lovely blue and white design
Concept
A plan or original idea
The original concept was for a building with 12 floors.
Design
Purpose or planning that exists behind an action, fact, or object
The appearance of design in the universe
Concept
A unifying idea or theme, especially for a product or service
A new restaurant concept.
Design
Decide upon the look and functioning of (a building, garment, or other object), by making a detailed drawing of it
A number of architectural students were designing a factory
Concept
Having an experimental or strikingly different design, especially to test or demonstrate new features
A concept car.
Design
To conceive or fashion in the mind; invent
Design a good excuse for not attending the conference.
Concept
An abstract and general idea; an abstraction.
Design
To formulate a plan for; devise
Designed a marketing strategy for the new product.
Concept
Understanding retained in the mind, from experience, reasoning and imagination; a generalization (generic, basic form), or abstraction (mental impression), of a particular set of instances or occurrences (specific, though different, recorded manifestations of the concept).
Design
To make a graphic or schematic representation of (something), especially as a plan for its structure
Design a building on a computer.
Design a new car model.
Concept
(generic programming) A description of supported operations on a type, including their syntax and semantics.
Design
To create or contrive for a particular purpose or effect
A game designed to appeal to all ages.
Concept
To conceive; to dream up
Design
To have as a goal or purpose; intend
"Mrs. Bennet had designed to keep the two Netherfield gentlemen to supper.
But ... she had no opportunity of detaining them" (Jane Austen).
Concept
An abstract general conception; a notion; a universal.
The words conception, concept, notion, should be limited to the thought of what can not be represented in the imagination; as, the thought suggested by a general term.
Design
To make or execute plans.
Concept
An abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
Design
To create designs.
Design
A drawing or sketch.
Design
A graphic representation, especially a detailed plan for construction or manufacture.
Design
An ornamental pattern.
Design
The purposeful or inventive arrangement of parts or details
The aerodynamic design of an automobile.
The design of an epic poem.
Design
A particular plan or method
The party's design for increasing voter turnout.
Design
The art or practice of designing or making designs
Studied design in college.
Design
A reasoned purpose; an intent
It was her design to set up practice on her own as soon as she was qualified.
Design
Deliberate intention
He became a photographer more by accident than by design.
Design
Often designs A secretive or underhanded plot or scheme
He has designs on my job.
Design
A specification of an object or process, referring to requirements to be satisfied and thus conditions to be met for them to solve a problem.
Design
A plan (with more or less detail) for the structure and functions of an artifact, building or system.
The initial design of the park was rejected for being too expensive.
Design
A pattern, as an element of a work of art or architecture.
We're working on some new designs for our range of summer shirts
Design
The composition of a work of art.
Design
Intention or plot.
We have designs on winning the league next season.
To be hateful of the truth by design.
Design
(particularly) Malicious or malevolent intention.
To have evil designs.
Design
The shape or appearance given to an object, especially one that is intended to make it more attractive.
Design
The art of designing
Danish furniture design is world-famous.
Design
(transitive) To plan and carry out (a picture, work of art, construction etc.).
Design
To plan (to do something).
The king designed to mount an expedition to the New World.
Design
To assign, appoint (something to someone); to designate.
Design
To mark out and exhibit; to designate; to indicate; to show; to point out; to appoint.
Design
To manifest requirements to be satisfied by an object or process for them to solve a problem.
Design
To draw preliminary outline or main features of; to sketch for a pattern or model; to delineate; to trace out; to draw.
Design
To mark out and exhibit; to designate; to indicate; to show; to point out; to appoint.
We shall seeJustice design the victor's chivalry.
Meet me to-morrow where the masterAnd this fraternity shall design.
Design
To create or produce, as a work of art; to form a plan or scheme of; to form in idea; to invent; to project; to lay out in the mind; as, a man designs an essay, a poem, a statue, or a cathedral.
Design
To intend or purpose; - usually with for before the remote object, but sometimes with to.
Ask of politicians the end for which laws were originally designed.
He was designed to the study of the law.
Design
To form a design or designs; to plan.
Design
A preliminary sketch; an outline or pattern of the main features of something to be executed, as of a picture, a building, or a decoration; a delineation; a plan.
Design
A plan or scheme formed in the mind of something to be done; preliminary conception; idea intended to be expressed in a visible form or carried into action; intention; purpose; - often used in a bad sense for evil intention or purpose; scheme; plot.
The vast design and purpos of the King.
The leaders of that assembly who withstood the designs of a besotted woman.
A . . . settled design upon another man's life.
How little he could guess the secret designs of the court!
Design
Specifically, intention or purpose as revealed or inferred from the adaptation of means to an end; as, the argument from design.
Design
The realization of an inventive or decorative plan; esp., a work of decorative art considered as a new creation; conception or plan shown in completed work; as, this carved panel is a fine design, or of a fine design.
Design
The invention and conduct of the subject; the disposition of every part, and the general order of the whole.
Is he a prudent man . . . that lays designs only for a day, without any prospect to the remaining part of his life?
I wish others the same intention, and greater successes.
It is the purpose that makes strong the vow.
Design
The act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan);
He contributed to the design of a new instrument
Design
An arrangement scheme;
The awkward design of the keyboard made operation difficult
It was an excellent design for living
A plan for seating guests
Design
Something intended as a guide for making something else;
A blueprint for a house
A pattern for a skirt
Design
A decorative or artistic work;
The coach had a design on the doors
Design
An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
His intent was to provide a new translation
Good intentions are not enough
It was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
He made no secret of his designs
Design
A preliminary sketch indicating the plan for something;
The design of a building
Design
The creation of something in the mind
Design
Make or work out a plan for; devise;
They contrived to murder their boss
Design a new sales strategy
Plan an attack
Design
Design something for a specific role or purpose or effect;
This room is not designed for work
Design
Create the design for; create or execute in an artistic or highly skilled manner;
Chanel designed the famous suit
Design
Make a design of; plan out in systematic, often graphic form;
Design a better mousetrap
Plan the new wing of the museum
Design
Create designs;
Dupont designs for the house of Chanel
Design
Conceive or fashion in the mind; invent;
She designed a good excuse for not attending classes that day
Design
Intend or have as a purpose;
She designed to go far in the world of business
Common Curiosities
Is design more practical than a concept?
Yes, design is more focused on practical application and problem-solving compared to the more theoretical nature of concepts.
What is a concept?
A concept is a general idea or understanding that forms the basis of a project or theory.
What is design?
Design refers to the process and art of planning the structure and systems of a project or object.
How do concepts influence design?
Concepts provide the foundational ideas and principles that guide the design process.
Can a design exist without a concept?
Typically, no. Design generally requires a concept as a starting point to guide the planning and execution.
Can anyone create a design based on a concept?
While anyone can conceptualize, designing effectively usually requires specific skills and training.
What skills are required for concept development?
Concept development requires creativity, abstract thinking, and a strong grasp of the theoretical underpinnings.
How does the specificity of design differ from the generality of a concept?
Designs are specific plans that detail the execution of a project, whereas concepts are more general and adaptable.
How are designs tested?
Designs are tested through prototypes, simulations, and real-world application to ensure functionality and feasibility.
How are concepts tested?
Concepts are often tested through discussion, theoretical application, or preliminary experiments.
What skills are needed for design?
Design requires technical skills, practical problem-solving abilities, and often, a detailed knowledge of materials and methods.
What makes a good concept?
A good concept is clear, innovative, and has the potential to be expanded into detailed plans or designs.
Can a design be copyrighted?
Yes, the specific expression of an idea in a design can be protected by copyright.
Can a concept be patented?
Generally, abstract concepts cannot be patented, but a specific application of a concept in a design might be.
What makes a good design?
A good design effectively solves problems, meets its intended purpose, and is aesthetically pleasing.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
